Industry joins iPRD showcase for future of chemical manufacturing in Leeds and beyond
Around 100 delegates joined a showcase exploring how AI and emerging technologies are shaping advanced chemical manufacturing.
The Industrial Showcase, held at the University of Leeds on Wednesday 21 October by the Institute of Process Research and Development (iPRD), attracted more than 90 delegates, alongside University colleagues who attended parts of the day. Nearly 50 experts came from industry, representing 21 companies.
The event brought researchers and businesses together to discuss developments in chemical process research and the opportunities created by closer collaboration between academia and industry.
Its programme examined how AI, automation and other enabling technologies can support the discovery, development and scale-up of chemical processes. Delegates heard about current research at Leeds alongside perspectives from organisations working across pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals and advanced chemical manufacturing.
iPRD connects chemists and engineers at Leeds with industry to develop processes for chemical manufacture. Its work includes process optimisation, machine learning, flow chemistry and reactor technologies, with a particular focus on using digital and automated approaches to make manufacturing faster, more efficient and sustainable.
Research and industry exchange
Professors Richard Bourne and Nikil Kapur, and Dr Gilian Thomas, delivered research talks on behalf of iPRD. The programme also featured invited contributions from Beatriz Dominguez of Johnson Matthey, Steven Fussell of Asymchem Group, and Ricardo Labes of Syngenta.
Academic perspectives were provided by Becky Greenaway of Imperial College London, and Donna Blackmond of Scripps Research and the University of Liverpool.
The talks reflected the depth and breadth of expertise needed to move new chemical processes from laboratory research to practical manufacturing. Technologies being developed at Leeds include automated reactors, real-time process monitoring and machine learning methods that can accelerate process development while reducing material use and waste.
Delegates toured iPRD laboratories and scale-up facilities. (Photo credit: Alex Beldea)
Delegates also saw iPRD’s facilities and equipment firsthand. Tours included automated digital chemistry platforms used to develop and optimise reactions, as well as facilities that allow researchers to investigate how processes perform as they are scaled up.
Demand for the visits was much higher than expected. The original programme planned three tours for around 20 to 25 people, but places were taken quickly, requiring larger groups and an additional session.
All in all, the event was hailed by delegates as “a great day of insightful presentations and conversations”; topics and speakers "were absolutely spot on and highly relevant”, with “a very good combination of academic and industrial presentations” from a "very impressive institute bringing together industry and academia”.
Professor Steve Marsden, one of the event organisers from iPRD and Head of the School of Chemistry, said: "We were delighted to welcome so many delegates, many of whom were interacting with iPRD for the first time. We hope that this vibrant meeting was a springboard for future interactions, whether colleagues want to explore use of our facilities, interact with our experts, or partner for projects.”
The showcase also gave delegates time to discuss shared research interests and potential projects during networking sessions. iPRD works with companies across sectors including pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals and fine chemicals, providing access to specialist knowledge and facilities for collaborative process development.
Organisations interested in working with iPRD can contact the Institute directly to discuss its research, facilities and industry services.
